Land Trust of North Alabama + UNA form new partnership

Two North Alabama entities have agreed to partner in a fantastic educational endeavor, which can allow UNA students to learn more about the environmental history of the region and get a better understanding of North Alabama as a whole.

This partnership provides expanded learning opportunities for UNA students across a variety of academic programs. Here’s more info:

A unique learning experience with the Land Trust + UNA

As part of the collaboration, UNA and the Land Trust will partner on:

• Public histories of selected LTNA properties to be used for interpretive programs and materials, as well as cataloging the legacies of the lands that are conserved;
• Resource development and/or coordination for formal and informal environmental education programming centering on biotic and abiotic elements of local ecosystems.
• Opportunities for UNA students to develop and deliver presentations on the local environment, specifically LTNA preserves
• Use of LTNA properties, particularly Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, as living laboratories for all possible fields of study.

“Two pillars of the Land Trust of North Alabama’s mission are the provision of environmental education and stewardship of our great natural places. With the recent donation of Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and its close proximity to UNA, there was a clear opportunity to partner and create hands-on field experiences for students studying subjects such as education, earth science, and recreation management. We are thrilled about this collaboration and look forward to more in the future.”

Marie Bostick, executive director, Land Trust of North Alabama

Officials with UNA called the partenership a “unique” learning experience.

“This agreement is unique in that it provides expanded learning opportunities for UNA students across a variety of academic programs to gain experience and insight into their fields, which will better prepare them for their future in the workforce. We look forward to growing this collaboration.”

Dr. Katie Kinney, UNA interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs

Two important entities in North Alabama

The partnership between the Land Trust and UNA seems natural, and not just because of geography — UNA is in Florence and the Land Trust is based in Huntsville — but both contribute greatly to the well-being of the region.

The Land Trust maintains more than 10,000 acres of land in North Alabama and has been the premier organization in the region for environmental and natural preservation.

UNA is among the state’s oldest universities and was one of the first co-educational universities in the country. It makes sense that these two important entities joined forces to create something great.

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